Some Nourishment for the Soul

With the end of the month at hand, I’ve made all of my fitness goals, except for swimming and weight training.  That meant that beneath these beautiful dry blue skies I could not run today.  I suppose I can do anything I want, but I didn’t allow myself to run today.  Today, I swam after about forty-five minutes of strengthening.

Blogger Windnsnow once commented on this blog “Running elevates your soul. Swimming nourishes it.”  Today, I felt that water nourishing an unnourished soul. And I kept on going for more, swimming 500 more yards than I had planned.  In total, I swam 2,000 yards (1829 meters, or 1.25 miles which is 80 laps in my gym’s 25 yard pool).  I felt reinvigorated afterwards.

I think I must have over-nourished, because back at home, all I wanted to do was sleep.  I slept off and on from 1:30 until about 5:00 PM.  I NEVER do that.

Wishing you all a great week!

I’ll leave you with this.  I used to be a fisherman (fisherwoman???).  Some more blasts from the past:

1984 Showing off my tiny perch.  Yes, we fried it up.

1984  Some bigger catches / Rainbow Trout

1985 Some Brook Trout (though the bigger catch may be a Rainbow Trout)

1991 A secluded pool up stream, miles away from civilization / click on picture to enlarge and you can see the Brook Trout in hand. Don’t ask me about the bandana on my head – I don’t remember, and I can’t explain it.

Same day, same place as above – notice the canteen hanging on the rock, I’m fairly positive there’s water in there and nothing else (don’t own one of those anymore, today, I’d probably be wearing a hydration pack FILLED WITH WATER, plus a few Nuun tablets : )  I was so, so young in this picture.  (Let’s see 1991 – 1965 = 26 years old!!).  See the tiny tattoo on right shoulder – I was actually carded to get that when a mere child (18).  Today it’s so faded, I’m not sure you can even see it. LOL.  Oh, how the glorious days go by.  Now we have to relive it through our children with their own lovely souls.  Hopefully, they will learn to nourish theirs’.

Group Running in the Mud and Rain

This morning I got to run with strangers.  And I got to run with an old friend, Tom (by old, I don’t mean “old person”, I mean the running friend who pretty much taught me how to run trails more than two years ago). 

Wasn’t supposed to rain today for the OCTR’s new member run.  But it rained.  And it rained.  And it rained.  Surprisingly, the county didn’t close the trails at Aliso/Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.  Well . . . they didn’t close ALL the trails.

Out of our group of 8, four continued on with me for the “big” loop up Wood Canyon, Cholla Trail, West Ridge to Top of the World, then back via Meadows Trail.  This is opposite the way I usually run this loop.  If you follow, you might recall I normally run up Meadows down Cholla. 

WELL, the trails were muddy and slippery, but not too badly through Wood Canyon and up Cholla.  Running along West Ridge was cold and of course rainy.  No one would have known unless I mentioned it that the Pacific Ocean was to our right.  The skies were that murky and gray. (The four runners who carried on were from out of the immediate area, 3 of them from the running group train4autism.)

What a great relief to reach Top of the World.  Some of us were cold, all of us a little tired of the slippery climb.  When it came to choosing a route back, the group voted to take the route with the most pavement (these delightful runners are mainly road runners, and I wanted to do what they wanted, especially since I can run this park any ole’ day).  I cautioned my fellow runners that Meadows was going to be a slippery slide.  But I think the mile and a half paved run was all too tempting to consider what we “might” encounter on Meadows.  (I’ve run Meadows enough to know that it gets the muddiest of all the trails).

New Member Run, Tom on far left, I forgot the next 2 runner’s names (sorry) and the last four on right I ran the big loop with (Justin, Alex, Shannon and Sarah)

When we finally arrived at Meadows Trail (I’m not too keen about running pavement – did I already mention that?  Seems like I always mention that), we found Meadows Trail CLOSED.  Closed!  A couple runners suggested running back.  I reminded them of the route they originally declined.  The others said, forget the closed sign – let’s go for it. 

And so we did.

What a slippery ride it was.  This was one tough group for sure.  We grabbed onto branches to stay upright.  We fell in the mud.  We laughed.  We groaned.  Alex lead the way, and he pretty much said, “screw the switchback” and took us straight down when we could through the grassy parts.  I must clarify that he never said the word “screw.”  He was never more than positive and polite.  I avoided the grass when I could because of ticks.  But then finally I just gave in, because it was so much easier to get a grip in the grass.

I also felt badly for leading this group into the mudslide on their first time on these trails in Aliso/Wood Canyons.  I had to at least once remind them, “Remember?  I said it was going to be MUDDY.”  (The alternative I had suggested was very rocky, much less muddy, but included a detour due to another closed trail, that would have added about a 1/4 mile to the total run.)

Every one of the runners today were true troopers.  We made it back happily to the ranger station, tired, glad to be finished, no injuries and with a fun muddy story to tell.

Thanks for coming out running partners.  Hope to see you all again.

Sliding Down Meadows Trail

My Shoes in the Mud

A Field of Lupin on Meadows’ Slippery Descent

Miles logged this morning:  11.5

GOAL!

We had a break in the rain today and my local trains opened up here in the coastal hills of Southern California.  Oddly, I decided on my timed loop.  This loop in Aliso/Wood Canyons:

I didn’t feel like running a time looped, besides the fact that I was a little paranoid about rattlers.  If you’ve been following, you might recall that my goal is to run this loop in two hours (also that I had a rattler encounter my last timed loop.)  My best time has been two hours, two minutes.  I made that time once.

I always felt in order to make 2 hours, I had to run to the top of Meadows (5 mile mark) in 1 hour.  Today, I made it in the same ole’ time 1:03.  With just one negative self-talk incident (I thought “I can’t” only once) I decided to attempt make-up time running the ridge through the neighborhoods at Top of the World.  I felt I could do it since it’s relatively “easy” running (compared to the trails I’ve been racing in 2011).

Top of Meadows

I made West Ridge with 35 minutes to spare (pretty good, but not the best I’ve done).  Then as I started running West Ridge (pictured below), I saw a runner that I usually see on the trails in this park.   I caught up with her, then on the downhill, flew past her.  I thought she was long gone, when on the next uphill, she was at my heels.  What the heck!

If I didn’t know better, she didn’t like me catching her and passing so quickly on the downhill.  I left her in the dust again on the next downhill.  Then wouldn’t you know it!  As I topped the next hill SHE PASSED ME.  Well, IT. WAS. ON. 

Neither of us spoke, as we raced along West Ridge.  We actually ran side-by-side quite a few times.  Other times we ran single-file just a few feet separating us.  I’d pass her on the downhills.  She’d catch me on the uphills.  She got out a good distance at one point.  But at the end, when we parted ways (she continued on West Ridge, I ran down Cholla).  She was just a few feet in front.

I glanced at the garmin as I rounded the corner onto Cholla Trail.  NINE minutes.  I had nine minutes to make it to the finish line.  I had a chance, though slight it might have been.  Utterly fatigued, I took very small, quick steps as I sped down Cholla.  Rounding the next corner onto Wood Canyon, the rest of the trip was uphill.  I had five minutes.  And I wanted to collapse.  I could not let this chance pass.  I had to try.  I actually hiked, fast hiked a small portion of the uphill, and with two minutes to spare, I sprinted in.

Goal!  I made it.  I ran my loop in two hours.  It seemed like the world was spinning a little, and I wanted to vomit.  I stopped for a second, only to catch my breath, then turned the corner and walked a bit for a cool down. 

Thank you un-named runner.  You don’t know how much you helped me today.

After Picture (after my cool down and I’m still red-faced)

The Great Silverado Footrace

Today was my third year running the Great Silverado Footrace, put on by Race Director, Chay Peterson.  First off, before I write another word, let me show you this:

Notice that first hill.  Now, Chay is not an evil woman.  In fact, she’s very nice.  So why’d she do it???  Perhaps it was to wake us up.  Or maybe it was to make the rest of the run seem “easy.”  No, I think it was for the challenge.  Someone yelled from behind as we made that climb, '”Mankind is so stupid!.”  We all laughed.  I’m sure inside we all knew the truth, the truth that John F. Kennedy once told this nation, “ . . . we do it not because it is easy, but because it is hard . . .”

Despite that first hill (though now that it’s over, it wasn’t that difficult), I had lots of fun.  The race is split into two parts.  The first loop being the longest, my garmin showed: 9.83 total miles with +3,763 elevation gain.  That’s a heck of a lot of elevation gain for less than ten miles!

Anyone who likes a true adventure and the toughest terrain should try this race.  I crawled, I bushwhacked.  I slipped and landed on my butt.  I fell.  A branch whacked my eyeball.  I took off my gloves for a minute, slipped and gashed my hand.  Some downhills were so steep, I placed my foot beneath my upper thigh and slid down on my bottom.  I took in awesome scenery spotted with spring flowers.  I laughed.  I joked.  I climbed up a rope.  I tore my clothes, shredded my socks.  And I said a few cuss words. 

Best of all, I raced.  I didn’t plan on racing.  I merely planned on finishing both loops.  But it seemed that one runner targeted me, and then there were three of us running side by side.  And I was so dang tired, I thought to myself, “Heck, just let them take it”.  Then I thought to myself, “No way!  You can run for hours Lauren, maybe they can’t!”  And so on the next uphill, I didn’t slow and lost the two who had been at my heals for at least an hour. I didn’t see them again for the remainder of the race.

Chay Gives Race Directions (she’s the leprechaun)

Racers (& Sweeps) load up in trucks & head out to Start Line

That First Big Climb

I accomplished my goal this year and completed both loops of The Great Silverado Footrace.  It was hard, and it hurt at times.  I have some ugly bruises and cuts.  I had to throw away my socks.  But I am fine.  And I am dang proud.  Proud that I finished both loops, and the vast majority of the second loop completely by myself. 

If I can, I will be back for a 4th year.  Maybe I’ll see you there too!

The Movie 

Fun, fun, fun in Silverado Canyon

Pavement Slapping My Feet

Okay, I’m back.  Sick two days, I decided (except for some exercises) to take three days off from running, because I’m so fearful of a relapse.  A relapse of what?  Fever, Chills, etc. . . Not fun.

Time is fleeting (well, isn’t it always?)  That should be my slogan.  Actually it is my slogan.  (Well . . . actually, it’s a line from the Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Time Warp  -- parenthesis are mine : ) 

Time is fleeting
Madness takes its toll...
But listen closely...
Not for very much longer...
I've got to keep control. (Ya!  When’s that gonna happen?)
I remember doing the Time Warp. (When was this, I’d like to know ???)
Drinking those moments when
The blackness would hit me.
And the void would be calling.
Let's do the Time Warp again.
Let's do the Time Warp again. (Ok, I have to put my 2 cents in here – who the heck wants to do the time warp – not me!!)
It's just a jump to the left.
And then a step to the right.
With your hand on your hips.
You bring your knees in tight. (Ya!  ya!!)
But it's the pelvic thrust (Yes, yes, I can do the pelvic thrust! ).
They really drive you insane.
Let's do the Time Warp again.
It's so dreamy
Oh, fantasy free me
So you can't see me
No not at all.
In another dimension
With voyeuristic intention.
Well secluded I see all...
With a bit of a mind flip...
You're into a time slip...
And nothing can ever be the same. (True! True!!!!)
You're spaced out on sensation.
Like you're under sedation. (Interesting!)
Let's do the Time Warp again.
Let's do the Time Warp again.
Well, I was walking down the street
Just having a think
When a snake of a guy
Gave me an evil wink. (I know him!!)
Well it shook me up
It took me by surprise
He had a pick-up truck (Yup, know that pick-up truck!)
And the devil's eyes
He stared at me
And I felt a change
Time meant nothing
Never would again.
Let's do the Time Warp again.

Okay  . . . Where was I???  Heck!  Lemme think!   Oh yes,  back to my running!  As I said, with time so fleeting, I couldn’t fit in trails, so I took a local paved run down to the beaches and marina.  I felt well recovered from the 50k, except for my recent sickness.  Actually, when I set off, I felt exuberant.  I carried nothing on my back, nothing in my hands.   I planned to drink at fountains only.  Overall, I have this to report:  the garmin was a burden.  I noticed too often how slowly I ran.  And I felt tired.  I don’t think I was ready to run after this illness.  But still, I pushed through.  I witnessed ten or so seals swimming in a circle in the wharf.  And the wind blew in my face nearly the entire run.

I have to say, it felt like that cement SLAPPED at my feet.  They (my feet) actually ached when I returned home.  I felt like I have truly trained my feet to run on dirt.  I like dirt.  This girly girl likes dirt.  Go figure. 

Such is life.

Crossing Pedestrian Bridge On Way To Beaches – Notice Green Shirt – Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!!! : )))  Corn Beef & Hash Tonight!!

Relic From The Past (Shame For The Chain Link Behind)

Beached Yacht On San Juan Creek Diverted (Doheny Beach in Background)

Wonderful Rustic Pier At Far End Of Marina Just Before My Turnaround

My feet ached more than ever after this paved fun.  I felt light-headed, a bit nauseous.  Perhaps I shouldn’t have run today.  But I really felt it was time.  It was time.  I can’t go too many days (especially when not injured).

As a side note, I talked to one of my student’s mother’s tonight. Ends up, she ran professionally for South Africa for many years.  And she’s a wonderful woman to talk with to boot!  (I love writing “to boot!”).  Can’t wait to pick her brain.  (That’s 3 S. African’s I met in person recently, 2 students and one mother) what a pleasure they all are, even though, the boy (a senior) claims I “hate” him – I actually don’t.  I want him to succeed.  I really enjoy all my students.  I want them all to succeed.  Oddly, in college, I kinda despised idealists.  And here I am an idealist for every single one of my students – Go!  I say!  I really do like you, and it wouldn’t matter if I didn’t.  What really matters is, if you do!   : )  You Can Succeed!!  (But be patient!!!)

Miles logged this morning:  9.3

Sneaking Exercises

Monday:  Sick.  I woke with soaking clothes from sweating through the night.  Definitely bummed, because I planned on another lackadaisical run.  Cancelled that.  If there’s anything I learned (which ain’t much!), that is don’t run with a fever or sore throat.  And I had both.

I was so fortunate that my husband had time to take all the boys to school (all different drop off times).  Sure I stumbled to the kitchen to make their lunches, but he did the hard part.  I slept pretty much all day.  He picked them all up from school.  How do single parents do it????

Monday night the entire family attended our oldest son’s orchestra concert.  Quite a delight.  We returned home late, and I had to work on a science project with middle son (which involved popping popcorn and weighing it against an apple), so I didn’t get the sleep I needed again.

Thankfully, I don’t work Mondays.  That would have layed me out!

Tuesday, I woke sick again, but without a fever.  I managed to drop the first boy off, then childishly requested (meaning, I didn’t straight out ask, instead, I “guilted” hubby into making the remaining drop offs.)  And then . . . AND THEN, I managed to use my unique persuasiveness to get my “better half”  to do the pick-ups and watch the younger boys’ OC Marathon training, which meant:  I got to sneak in some exercises.  I had to work fast.  But I did it.  I got in lots of core work.  And I sweated through a hand-held weight video and rushed in a shower.  No one was the wiser.  Except for you guys.  No one in my family ever reads this blog.

Two days in a row no runs, but at least I got to sneak in some exercises.